Last year’s console version of Bionic Commando may have been a stinker, but anyone who’s played Bionic Commando knows that the series’ 2D roots are undeniably entertaining. With Rearmed receiving its first sequel, changes with iteration are inevitable. Game Informer spoke with producer Rey Jimenez about the modes and features that are being preserved, changed, or scrapped for Bionic Commando Rearmed 2.

In the first Bionic Commando Rearmed, when Spencer clashed with an enemy truck on the world map he would be thrust into a top-down shooter-esque level. Jimenez told Game Informer that these particular diversions will not be returning for Rearmed 2.

“I never heard any great positive reaction to [overhead stages],” he explained.  “People liked them because they were in the original, but I don’t remember hearing anyone say that was their favorite part of the game. It doesn’t have the swinging, you know?”

Another feature carried into Bionic Commando Rearmed from the original NES title was a world map with divergent paths. While the map will return in Rearmed 2, Jimeneze explained that it will be streamlined.

“There’s definitely going to be a world map, it doesn’t just spit you through the game,” he stated. “You need the map in case you want to go back to another level. It won’t be like BCR 1, where you can pick which way you want to go.”

One feature being reincorporated into Rearmed 2 is the Challenge Room mode. However, the purposes of certain challenges will be tied to specific items or weapons.

“Yes, challenge rooms are returning,” said Jimenez with no hesitation. “Rather than being focused on getting from point A to point B solely in a specific time period, there will be ones that are also focused on weapon usage and be a sort of tutorial on how to use them. They’ll put you in a situation where you have to get from point A to point B while using a particular weapon in little time as possible.”

To read more on Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 and check out gameplay screenshots, read my full hands-on preview from the E3 show floor.